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11.22.2012

The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way.

A long-established custom or belief that has been passed on in this way.

I tend to call traditions baggage, and lately with our minimalist lifestyle we have been getting rid of a lot of baggage. So where does it leave our traditions? How do we decided which traditions to keep and which ones no longer serve a purpose. Which ones are true and which ones are built on consumerism. I think living minimally, or getting old, has forced us to look at what we really want our kids to take away from a tradition or celebration.

Why do you celebrate? What traditions are necessary baggage for your family?

This year we celebrated our family as it is and will be. We went to the beach where John grew up - gigging flounder, and casting nets. We ate sauerkraut made from my great grandmas crock and hand packed by the kids. We gave thanks for all those we love, have loved, and will love. We gave thanks for all those we don't know but sacrifice for us. We were silent and thoughtful.

Here is to less baggage, and pray, it won't be easy going into this winter solstice season.

11.20.2012

I can remember getting married and thinking happily that I would be with John for the rest of my life; however, at the time, through the haze of youth and love, I couldn't picture us getting old and 25 years of marriage seemed far, far, away. I only hoped for a large family and lots of love.

On the 14th of November 2012, my amazing in-laws celebrated 50 years of marriage, and it was a wonderful celebration. The entire family showed up to ring in with well wishes.

But for John and I, in those early years, there were days, and weeks, and even months, when I cursed the day we got married, which further clouded the image of 50 years. The reality of that blissful wedding day was something not so happy. The first 5 years of our marriage was hell. Nobody tells you how bad things can be when the honeymoon is over. It was always one thing after another, usually money, children, or shattered dreams. Although, if someone would have told me how bad it would be I probably wouldn't have believed them.

But somehow we muddled through, one day at a time, and now 20 years later, life is full of family and love. I wish there had been another road we had taken to get here. Yes, I can hear you saying, "But then you wouldn't be what you are now".

I am blessed beyond belief! 9 amazing children, 2 adorable grandsons, and 1 wonderful son-in-law; what more could I have asked for.

On this day, I realized that not only can I see our marriage at 25 years, but I can realistically see us at 50, and it looks much like the first picture.

So here is to the next 30 years; although, I hope they are easier than the first 20 :)